Author’s Library: Aoife Gallagher on her writing process, book recommendations, and making “Web of Lies”

Earlier this week we shared a snippet of Aoife Gallagher’s new release web of liesand today we catch up with the author to learn all about what went into creating this fascinating, accessible and entertaining book.

With web of liesAoife Gallagher offers a fascinating and in-depth look at the growing threat of far-right extremist thought in Ireland and around the world, and examines how these movements are using the online world to spread disinformation, thereby polarizing society.

Have you always wanted to be a writer/author?

Definitely not. Although I always loved writing in school, what I really wanted to be when I was younger was a singer-songwriter. I guess I’ve fulfilled the “writer” part of that dream!

What prompted you to start writing?

The inspiration came from my decision to study journalism after spending part of my twenties traveling and working in hospitality. I needed a change of direction and knew I wanted a job that would involve constantly learning new things.

Where did the idea for this book come from?

After working as a journalist for a few years, I took a job at a non-profit think tank called the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, where I research online extremism and disinformation with a special emphasis on conspiracy theories. It has become apparent in recent years that the online world’s ability to trick people into believing things that are categorically untrue is having a terrifying impact on society. This phenomenon affects everyone, so I wanted to write a book that could explain this grim and complicated world in a simple way, with the hope that those who read it will develop some form of immunity to the forces that attempt to destroy us. attempt with simple answers to the world’s problems.

Tell us about your writing process.

After the research and interview stage, I will always try to sketch out a plan of what I am trying to say, but I often get hectic with the planning and just start writing (sometimes it works, other times it definitely doesn’t!). My general approach is to write to me. I find that if I can explain a topic to myself, chances are most others will understand it as well.

What did you learn from writing this book?

I learned that I could write a book! I also had the chance to explore the history of conspiratorial thought and fascism in Ireland and found it absolutely fascinating. To sum up what I learned in one sentence, Ireland is not immune to these belief systems, and never has been.

Three words to describe your writing process?

Keep it simple.

Do you have any weird habits when you write?

Does unconsciously plucking hair from my chin count?

The first book you remember reading is…

One of Beatrix Potter’s classics. Maybe Peter Rabbit.

Your favorite Irish author is…

Right now, definitely Patrick Freyne. His writing always lifts my spirits.

The book you give to everyone is…

Curiously, the classics of Beatrix Potter! I tend to give them to friends/family who have babies.

Three books everyone should read…

In recent years, my library has been overrun with books on Nazis, conspiracy theories and the Internet. If you want to read a book on this subject, I recommend (of course) web of lies by Aife Gallagher. Other than that, I’ve grown to love reading memoirs and journals, so I recommend This will hurt by Adam Kay and Ok let’s do your stupid idea by Patrick Freyne.

You overcome writer’s block by…

Do some form of exercise that makes me sweat. Boxing is a favorite.

Do you listen to music when you write?

I can only listen to instrumental music when I write, so I have a playlist of Hans Zimmer songs that I come back to often.

The best money you ever spent as a writer was on…

A subscription to Descript, which transcribes audio and video to text and has saved me hours of time.

The three books you would take with you to a desert island are…

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari (I’ve wanted to read it for a while).

How to stay alive by Bear Grylls (seems like that would be handy).

A big crossword book (and a pen).

A quote you love is…

Don’t take life too seriously. You will never come out alive.

The book you always come back to is…

The secret diary of Adrian Mole 13 ¾ years by Sue Townsend. It was a staple of my teenage years and I reread it recently. It’s always fantastic.

Seeing your book in stores is…

Surrealist.

A book you wish you had written is…

It’s from something awful by Dale Beran because it is one of the best books describing the evolution of insidious online subcultures and the impact they now have on politics and society.

How do you use social networks as an author?

Analyzing and researching social media trends is all my job, so in a professional capacity, it’s absolutely essential. Personally, I have developed a love/hate relationship with it and I use it sparingly.

Should books be judged by their covers? How did you choose yours?

They shouldn’t be, but they are! Jack Smyth, who designed the cover for my book, did an amazing job. I had a few ideas for ways to encapsulate the various images of the plot moves and Jack was able to bring them to life.

Do you find it difficult not to procrastinate when you write?

Absolutely. To be honest, I only work well under pressure/when I have a strict deadline.

The best advice you’ve ever received is…

This isn’t advice per se, but my parents raised me to be curious and open-minded, which I think is an essential view in an ever-changing world.

Your favorite literary character of all time is?

by Roald Dahl Matilda.

“web of lies” by Aoife Gallagher, €15.99, is on sale now.